Wrap outdoor water pipes and meters to prevent freezing in winter

Wrap outdoor pipes and water meters in blankets, insulation or heat tape.

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Even a trickle helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing.

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature night and day.

If you will be going away, do not set the thermostat lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

To thaw frozen pipes:

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, make sure your main water valve is turned on. If so, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the suspected frozen area of the water pipe. Check pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe.

Apply heat to the pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials) or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open-flame device. Make sure a heating pad does not come into contact with water. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode.

Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. Call a licensed plumber if you can't find, reach or thaw the frozen area.

Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others might freeze, too.

Source: American Red Cross and Louis Stalsitz, manager of water distribution for the city of Allentown.